Best Pond Pump – Top 10 Pond Pump Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
A pond pump is an important product that makes sure that your pond at home remains a thing a beauty and is not a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests.
Finding the best pond pump that suits your needs isn’t easy but this article will look at 10 excellent pond pumps found on the market.
Having a pond on a property can add beauty and style to it, however, operating and day to day maintenance can lead to frustration and confusion.
No matter the pond you have at home, most important two things, a pond pump and a pond vacuum cleaner you must need.
In This Page:
1. Waterfall and Stream
(Click Image to Learn More)if you have a pond with a stream or waterfall at home, this product is just perfect. This pump gives your power thanks to its 4280 gallons per hour capacity and it also has a 16-foot long cord. This length allows you to pump heights of about 30 feet which is incredible.
The one thing that customers love about this pump is its unique dual-discharge design. What this means is it can be used for two water features at once. You can pump water in both a waterfall and a point which saves you space and cash.
Although this pump is not the biggest, it is a wonderful choice to buy because it is very powerful, easy to install, has a very strong water pimping capacity and will make your waterfall look amazing for a long time.
Reasons to Buy:
- Very strong and doesn’t make a lot of noise
- Ideal for steams and waterfalls
- Very easy to install compared to other models
- Comes with a three-year warranty
- You can use it vertically and horizontally
- Corrosion resistance
- Affordable
- Close to 4300 gallons per hour capacity
Reasons Not to Buy:
- Get clogged very easily
- When clogged, this is a very tough pump to clean
2. TheTetraPond Debris-Handling
(Click Image to Learn More)Debris is something you do not want to see in your pond because it can lead to clogging, however, if you are looking for a high efficiency pond pump, this is the one you need.
This pump is perfect for large points and can power waterfall to a height of 13 feet which is spectacular.
What makes this pond pump resist blockage when debris is passing through is its rugged design. It also has a ceramic shaft that is anti-corrosive and most importantly water resistant.
You will not go wrong if you spend money on the Tetra Pond Debris Handling pump because it is good for ponds that clog up quickly, energy efficient, oil-free meaning it will not kill your fish when used, powerful and very easy to clean. You will not get your hands dirty with this product.
Reasons to Buy:
- A very power product
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Very durable meaning it will last longer
- Very affordable compared to other models
- Very easy to maintain and clear
- Ideal for fish ponds
- 1900 gallons per hour
Reasons Not to Buy:
- Not strong enough to be used on streams and waterfalls
3. Mico JKP 4000 Large Flow Pum
(Click Image to Learn More)If a dual discharge system is something that you want at home that operates 2 water features at the same time then the Little Grant WGP-65-PW is the pond pump you should invest in.
One of the things that this wonderful pump will give you is power and it has an incredible capacity of 1900 gallons per hour. What also makes this product stand out is the 16-foot long cord it has which gives you a water height of 20 feet.
It is good for any pond because you can use it either vertically and horizontally due to its clever design.
Despite its small size, this pond pump does pack a punch and if you have a waterfall or a small pond at home, this is the product to use.
Reasons to Buy:
- Quiet but very power pond pump
- Very easy to put together compared to other models plus it is small
- This high efficiency pond pump comes with a 3-year warranty
- Gives you a capacity of 1900 gallons per hour
- Very affordable when compared to models similar to it
- Has a dual discharge design meaning it can operate two features at the same time
- You can use it both vertically and horizontally
- Corrosion resistant
Reasons Not to Buy:
- A very tough pump to clean when clogged
- Plant life can clog up the inlet easily
4. Danner 04580 Pond Aeration Pump
(Click Image to Learn More)This pump for koi pond is one of the best air pumps you can buy on the market today because it is a quality product that is very durable.
It is clear that this product was made with love by the manufactures because it is beautiful and meets as well as exceeds the needs of customers with ponds, water gardens, aquariums, and water gardens.
If you have a 10,000-gallon pond, this product is perfect and what it gives you is max water depth of 9.5 feet, a 6-foot power cord that works on standard 110V electric, little to no noise when in use and it blends well in your garden.
The price might be an issue for some people but this is a very good quality product that’s value for money.
Reasons to Buy:
- A very energy efficient product
- Does not make any noise and very durable
- A very easy product to use
- Very powerful product with an air flow that is steady
- There is no need for lubrication
Reasons Not to Buy:
- Come with a one-year limited warranty
- The product can be very expensive for some people
5. TotalPond 1200 GPH Waterfall Pump
(Click Image to Learn More)If you have a small waterfall at home that is around 5 feet tall then the high performing and powerful TotalPond 1200 GPH Waterfall pump is perfect for you. What makes this pump such a delight is it can move a large amount of water without using plenty of energy.
It is not noisy at all and goes about its business in the background quietly plus it comes with a pump shield. This shield makes it durable because it protects the pump from debris and it has a 16-foot cord.
Apart from the fact that this product is affordable, what you also get is a maximum water pumping height of 16.5 feet which is incredible.
If you have any fish or plant life in your pond, you will be happy to know that this pump is oil-free. Everything in your pond is safe giving you a piece of mind when you use it.
Reasons to Buy:
- A very powerful pump that operates silently
- Reasonably priced compared to similar model on the market
- Very safe to use around plants because it is oil free
- To prevent clogging, it comes with a debris shield
- Available in a variety of model with different waterfall heights and gallons per hour options
Reasons Not to Buy:
- Less protection compared to other models because of the 1-year limited warranty
6. Ecoplus 396 Gph Submersible Pump
(Click Image to Learn More)People with smaller height fountains, an aquarium, hydroponics systems or a pond at home will absolutely fall in love with the Ecoplus 396 Gph Submersible pump. With a maximum height of 6 feet and a capacity of 396 gallons per hour, one can’t help but fall in love with this.
You get plenty of power with this pump, however; you cannot adjust the flow which can be a drawback for many people. Despite this, what makes this pump an excellent choice for people with fish or plants in their point is it has an oil-free system.
You will not cause damage to any of your plants or aquatic life when you use this pump and the ceramic shaft makes sure that the pump does the job for you every time you use it.
Reasons to Buy:
- Operates quietly in the background
- Very affordable price compared to similar models
- Has a capacity of 396 gallons per hour
- The perfect pond pump for fountains under the height of 6 feet
- Can easily be used in salt or fresh water
- Corrosion resistant and very reliable product.
Reasons Not to Buy:
- Come with a 1-year limited warranty which most customers say isn’t good enough
- Makes a lot of noise compared to other pond pumps
7. Alpine PAL3100
(Click Image to Learn More)Anyone who feels let down by their old pond pump and are looking for a replacement need to consider the Alpine PAL3100.
Alpine is a very well known name that has made good quality water pumps for years and once again, they have delivered an excellent pond pump that one can use as an external model as well as a submersible model.
One of the best things about this product is the amount of power it possesses. This model has a max water flow of 3100 gallons per hour which is amazing for the price you pay.
If you are a novice and have little experience with pond pumps, this one comes with a well-detailed manual that explains everything very well for you like how to take it apart, put it together as well as how to clean it.
Reasons to Buy:
- Comes with a three-year warranty
- Has a very long power cord
- The manufacturers provide customers with actual flow rates
- Comes with a well-detailed instructions manual
Reasons Not to Buy:
- The products intake screen does not offer enough protection against clogging
8. Aqua Pulse 550 GPH Pump
(Click Image to Learn More)The first Aqua Pulse pump to make this list is the 550 gallons per hour pump. If you are on the market looking for an energy efficient pump then this is the best options out there plus its clever design makes it perfect for plant life and fish.
What you get with this pump is a fully submersible and quiet product that does its thing without making plenty of noise.
You won’t even know it is there plus it has what is known as the variable speed motor technology. What this means is you get a very high flow of water without breaking the bank on operation cost.
Reasons to Buy:
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Cheaper than other similar models sold on the market
- A very energy efficient product which does not rank up your electric bill
- Ideal for plants, fish and any other aquatic life form you might have
- Very powerful and operates silently in the background
- A capacity of 550 gallons per hour
- One of the easiest product to put together and is small in size
Reasons Not to Buy:
- Most people have reported that the screen cover the pump has is very fragile
9. PonicsPump PP40006
(Click Image to Learn More)The one thing that customer like about this pump is it is very versatile and what it brings to the table is a variety of outlet adapter for different sizes of tubing one might have, a 6 feet waterproof cord and an input flow rate screen that can easily be adjusted.
On further examination, you will notice that it has an aluminum oxide ceramic shaft which makes the pump durable and lasts longer compared to other models on the market. It is one of the most energy efficient pumps you can buy and it is safe for aquatic life and plants.
Reasons to Buy:
- Very easy to install and small than other models of the same kind
- Very strong and quiet
- Very affordable for many customers
- A capacity of 400 gallons per hour
- Corrosion resistant and submersible
- Other sizes of this pump are available to suit customer needs
- Very versatile thanks to the outlet adapter options
Reasons Not to Buy:
- The power cord of this pump is only 6 feet long which is not good for other customers
- The 1-year limited warranty can be a turn off for customers
- Very difficult product to clean when it is clogged up
- Does tend to clog up easily because of the inlet design
10. Aqua Pulse 1200 GPH
(Click Image to Learn More)Another Aqua Pulse pond pump to make the list is this 1200 gallons per hours pump right here. Just like the one pointed out above, the Aqua Pulse 1200 GPH is a fantastic choice for customers because of what it brings to the table.
According to various best pond pump reviews, this pump provides you with some of the best speed motor technology money can buy meaning you get a very high flow of water at a more efficient and cost-effective price.
It does not cost a lot to operate this product because it is very quiet and submersible. Its excellent design makes it excellent for plants and fish.
Reasons to Buy:
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Cheaper than other similar models sold on the market
- A very energy efficient product which does not rank up your electric bill
- Ideal for plants, fish and any other aquatic life form you might have
- Very powerful and operates silently in the background
- A capacity of 1200 gallons per hour
- One of the easiest product to put together and is small in size
Reasons Not to Buy:
- Most people have reported that the screen cover the pump has is very fragile
Safety Tips for Using Pond Pump
- When attaching the fittings:When installing a pump, make sure you hire a qualified electrician to connect your outdoor power point to the electric cable on the pump.After that attach the feet to the bottom of the pond. You need these to hold the pump together so it does move.
- Place the pump in your pond:Place the pump at a location of your choice making sure it is stable, at the right height and can be reached
- Test the pump’s water rate: Once stable in a position you like, test the water flow rate to make sure it is just right making adjustments where possible.
- Make sure the power cord is covered: Dig a trench in the soil and bury the cable to make things look professional.
The Ultimate Guideline to Choose a Pond Pump
Having a pond or a waterfall in the comfort of your own home can be relaxing and peaceful especially if you have some fish in there.
Sitting down and watching your aquatic life enjoying life can take your stress away, however, if you want them to remain healthy and in tip-top condition for a long time you need to buy a good pond pump.
A pond pump makes sure that water circulates well in your pond and it doesn’t become stagnant. Stagnant water attracts pests and allows particles to be stuck in one place which is not a good thing hence why a top quality pond pump is needed. The question is how does one go about choosing a pond pump?
Below are some of the steps one can follow to help them choose a water pump for pond or waterfall
- Look at the optimum pump flow rate: What you do here is you pump the water in your pond every 2 hours.
- Optimize your pump head: This is done by taking out any objects to get an accurate idea as well as minimize height to where you want the water to pump. If you have a waterfall that has a wide lip, you will need to use plenty of water compared to one that has a narrow overflow edge. The perfect height for a waterfall is between 16 – 36 inches which are around 40 – 90 cm.
- Look at the price of the pond pump: Since pond pumps are meant for outside use, you need purchase one that comes with at least a 2-year guarantee. If you have aquatic life in your pond, you have to make sure that your pump is operational all year around. It is recommended to have at least 2 pond pumps just in case one breaks down so that your fish don’t die. Time is your best friend when it comes to selecting a pump because you need to understand the pressure, maximum flow and price so that you do not purchase the incorrect pump for your pond.
- Know the height: When you install the pump you have to make sure that measure the height you prefer water to be pumped from the surface of your pond, not the base.
- Know the running cost of the pump you have selected: You can know the running cost of the pump you have bought by looking at the wattage on the box. If there is no wattage listed on the box, you can look at the amps and you can easily convert those into watts (amps x volts)
What Size Pond Pump Do I Need?
When buying a pond pump they need, the one thing that any person has to understand about them is they sized by gallons per hour water output at one foot of height. It is all about getting a pump that is strong enough to fulfill your needs and do a job for you.
The table below shows some of the things you need to look for with regards to the size of the pump based on the pond you have at home.
| Pond size per gallons | Pump size you need |
|---|---|
|
30 – 100 |
50 gallons per hour |
|
100 –200 |
100 gallons per hour |
|
200 – 400 |
200 gallons per hour |
|
400 – 700 |
350 gallons per hour |
|
700 – 900 |
450 gallons per hour |
|
900 – 1100 |
550 gallons per hour |
|
1100 – 1500 |
750 gallons per hour |
|
1500 – 2000 |
1000 gallons per hour |
How Does a Pond Pump Work?
No matter the type of pump you have at home, whether it is being used for waterfalls, filters or fountains, they are all called centrifugal pumps. These pumps all behave the same way as will be illustrated below
- Every pump has an impeller that is turned on by electric power to the pump’s motor. What the impeller has are small chambers that are divided by vanes. When inspected closely, these vanes scrape the outside of a pump when they are spinning.
- When the impeller makes a full spin, the water inside the small chambers is forced through a small gap in the pump’s body and a pipe that is linked to this small gap. This means the water is directed straight to the fountain, falls or filter’s arrangement.
- Since the vanes are spinning at a very rapid speed, the water that is following the gap carries on. When it comes to the small chambers, water flows in there thanks to the central aperture known as the pump suction.
- This is the center part or the heartbeat of the pump and must be kept clear every time for the pump to operate properly. To stop any blockages, the suction is always in a slotted body and there is also a small foam sponge inside the body that stop small particles from entering the vanes while the pump impeller is in motion. This also stops the particles from even breaking the impeller as well.
Conclusion
All in all, buying the best pond pump that will meet your needs, as well as do a job for you, can be a stressful and lengthy process.
The market is saturated with so many pond pumps that bring their own fair share of pros and cons, which you need to look at carefully and do your homework before you part ways with your hard earned money.
The last thing you want is to spend money on a pump that doesn’t tick all the boxes for you. What this article has done is provide a detailed guide to help you with your choice as well as some of the best pond pumps on the market.
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